Vaccines · 6 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- Vaccines protect children at the ages they are most at risk.
- Mild fever and soreness for a day or two are common and settle on their own.
- Missed doses can usually be caught up without starting again.
- Keep the vaccination card safe and bring it to every visit.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face after a vaccine
- High fever lasting more than 2 days after a vaccine
- Continuous crying for 3 hours or more
- A fit (seizure)
Why vaccines matter
Vaccines train the immune system to recognise serious infections — measles, whooping cough, polio, pneumonia, rotavirus diarrhoea, typhoid, hepatitis and more — before a child meets them.
Giving each dose at the recommended age gives protection when a child is most vulnerable.
The schedule at a glance
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP-ACVIP) 2025 timetable recommends vaccines at birth; at 6, 10 and 14 weeks; at 6, 7, 9, 12 and 15 months; at 16–18 and 18–19 months; at 4–6 years; HPV from 9 years; Tdap at 10 years; and Td/Tdap at 16–18 years. A flu vaccine is recommended every year until 5 years of age.
Use our free vaccine tracker to see exactly which vaccines are due for your child by date of birth.
What side effects are normal?
Most children have no reaction or a mild one that settles within one to two days.
- Soreness, redness or a small lump where the injection was given
- Mild fever and fussiness
- Sleepiness or a lower appetite for a day
Questions parents ask
Can my child get several vaccines on the same day?
Yes. Giving several vaccines at one visit is safe and means fewer visits. Combination vaccines also reduce the number of injections.
What if we missed a dose?
Do not restart the series. Bring the vaccination card and the doctor will plan the catch-up doses.
Are vaccines needed after government vaccines are given?
Government programmes cover many important vaccines. The IAP schedule adds some more. Discuss with the doctor which ones suit your child.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
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